I had my Prius 10 hours and it's already in the shop

Metalkitty · 08-20-2007, 06:16 PM

Alright folks, I 'm highly discouraged and need some advice. I have been saving up and anticipating the purchase of my first ever brand new car. After careful research and budgeting I decided on the 2007 Prius.

This past Friday night I bought a new Prius and left the dealership at 9:30 pm. At 7am the next morning I start the Prius and the check engine light is on. I drive directly back to the dealership expecting something minor like gas cap loose, etc. Maintenance person tells me that the diagnostic report came back with a code about the coolant. Being unfamiliar with this code he asked to keep the Prius until Monday. Then he could call Toyota and decide what needed to be done.

Late this afternoon I called the maintenance department only to be told that the car was there and a new part had been ordered. The new part was a COMPUTER. They had ordered a new computer for my car. Red flags are going off in my head. Why would my brand new car need a new computer? To me, it seems that the dealership sold me a broken car. I know all about he lemon law and it's stipulations. None of that will help me now. What is bothering me is I bought a brand new car that doesn't work and now the Carfax report will show that the computer had to be replaced, hence depreciating the resale value.

I only got to drive the Prius home from the dealership and back again! Any suggestions of what I can or should do?

Swanny1172 · 08-20-2007, 06:26 PM

Some cars are lemons and the Prius is no exception. It is subject to manufacturing defects just like every other car on the road. Keep documentation of the repair, because the Lemon Law may very well be your friend here.

**efusco** · 08-20-2007, 06:28 PM

I wouldn't worry about it at this point. Unless you anticipated a short turn around time for selling the car the part replacement won't matter.

Stuff happens. Although we want every one of the 1million + Prius sold to be perfect when we drive it off the lot that's a tad unrealistic. You got a bit of bad luck with yours. I suspect it will be perfectly fine once it's fixed properly.

Certainly if it's a persistant problem or they can't find a solution then take advantage of the lemon laws and make them replace it with a different brand new one.

I can only imagine how disappointing and frustrating it is after getting excited, saving up and anticipating like you have. I'm sorry for that for you.

boulder_bum · 08-20-2007, 06:29 PM

Did you ask the dealer if they can simply give you a different car? Might be worth a try.

galaxee · 08-20-2007, 06:33 PM

that's why you've got a basic warranty, my friend. manufacturing defects happen anywhere they make things. prius computers are no exception, as much as we'd all like to think otherwise. clearly this one wasn't done right and it appeared right away, as do the vast majority of manufacturing defects when they're driven off the lot.

sorry you got a bad computer, but know that it'll be fixed up on toyota's dime and you'll be happy driving your new car again soon!

qbee42 · 08-20-2007, 06:46 PM

Electronic devices have a higher failure rate during the first few hours of operation. In the electronics industry, we refer to this as "infant mortality", which is kind of a grim term, but it gets across the idea. Once an electronic device has worked for a few hours, it's likely it will keep working for a long time, unless it is somehow misused or mistreated. Your computer was one of those unfortunate ones that failed. Replacing it will do nothing to hurt your new Prius. It's not like bending the frame in an accident. Your new Prius will be fine.

Tom

patsparks · 08-20-2007, 06:59 PM

It happens.

You have been unlucky but it isn't the end of the world or the love affair that will soon bloom between you and your car. It's an inconvenience and perhaps a little embarrassing but at the end of the day you will have a great car, which feels terrific to drive.

One fault no matter how bad doesn't make the car a lemon, keep all documents relating to the repair just in case but remember Toyota's legendary reputation for reliability didn't come out of a corn flakes pack, it was well earned.

Infant mortality, there you go, tell your friends you were a victim of infant mortality. Love it, some computer nerd must have come up with that term.

Rae Vynn · 08-20-2007, 07:01 PM

Our dealership has a 30-day warranty that says that if you don't like the car you bought, you can give it back and get a different car from them. You can't just get your money back, but you can "trade up" or get a different model/color... whatever.

JimN · 08-20-2007, 07:15 PM

Metalkitty, welcome to the site. Although this experience is upsetting give the dealer a chance to make things right. You should be driving a free loaner now. If you want to swap the car, ask the dealer. See if they will give you a few coupons for oil changes or a deep discount on the rear bumper applique. Once you have the car back and you have calmed down you will have the chance to express your opinion on the customer satisfaction survey. Everything will be fine, just relax.

If it were a GM car, Mr. Goodwrench would have told you the CEL is supposed to be on.

Pinto Girl · 08-20-2007, 07:26 PM

It's an imperfect device designed and built by imperfect beings.

As Swanny pointed out, if things keep cropping up you might have a lemon on your hands...otherwise, with any luck the dealer will make it right and you'll be on your way.

I'm still a bit scared of the rocket science going on when I push the power button, but I'm getting better every day...
:-)

08-20-2007, 06:28 PM	#3
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 14,229 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 1 Time in 1 Post TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 24	I wouldn't worry about it at this point. Unless you anticipated a short turn around time for selling the car the part replacement won't matter. Stuff happens. Although we want every one of the 1million + Prius sold to be perfect when we drive it off the lot that's a tad unrealistic. You got a bit of bad luck with yours. I suspect it will be perfectly fine once it's fixed properly. Certainly if it's a persistant problem or they can't find a solution then take advantage of the lemon laws and make them replace it with a different brand new one. I can only imagine how disappointing and frustrating it is after getting excited, saving up and anticipating like you have. I'm sorry for that for you. __________________ Evan E. Fusco, MD Seaside 04BC9/OEM EVb/NAV & auto-BT/XM Radio, CAN-View, Shark Fin, BT Stiff. Plate, Skid Plate & Strut Support

08-20-2007, 06:46 PM	#6
qbee42 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Northern Michigan Posts: 5,643 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #7 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 6	Electronic devices have a higher failure rate during the first few hours of operation. In the electronics industry, we refer to this as "infant mortality", which is kind of a grim term, but it gets across the idea. Once an electronic device has worked for a few hours, it's likely it will keep working for a long time, unless it is somehow misused or mistreated. Your computer was one of those unfortunate ones that failed. Replacing it will do nothing to hurt your new Prius. It's not like bending the frame in an accident. Your new Prius will be fine. Tom __________________ *Black* 2006 package #7 Northern Michigan

08-20-2007, 06:59 PM	#7
patsparks Uneducated bird-brain Aussie Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Adelaide South Australia Posts: 4,905 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: Base Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 17	It happens. You have been unlucky but it isn't the end of the world or the love affair that will soon bloom between you and your car. It's an inconvenience and perhaps a little embarrassing but at the end of the day you will have a great car, which feels terrific to drive. One fault no matter how bad doesn't make the car a lemon, keep all documents relating to the repair just in case but remember Toyota's legendary reputation for reliability didn't come out of a corn flakes pack, it was well earned. Infant mortality, there you go, tell your friends you were a victim of infant mortality. Love it, some computer nerd must have come up with that term. __________________ All the warranty I need. And for thrills -> Still averaging 4.4L/100km across town 2004 silver base model Prius Shark fin, genuine mudflaps, colour matched side mouldings, rear bumper scuff guard, sheepskin seats, BT Plate. I love it!

08-20-2007, 07:15 PM	#9
JimN Certified Prius Advisor Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Jersey Posts: 2,199 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #3 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Metalkitty, welcome to the site. Although this experience is upsetting give the dealer a chance to make things right. You should be driving a free loaner now. If you want to swap the car, ask the dealer. See if they will give you a few coupons for oil changes or a deep discount on the rear bumper applique. Once you have the car back and you have calmed down you will have the chance to express your opinion on the customer satisfaction survey. Everything will be fine, just relax. If it were a GM car, Mr. Goodwrench would have told you the CEL is supposed to be on. __________________ 2006 Magnetic Gray "Spirit Queen" TP 45, Blocked grill, Toyota rear bumper applique, VentureShield panels: Hood, bumper & headlights 2000 Intrigue "Lil Deuce Coupe" 1999 EV-1 Range 220 miles 2000 Precept diesel-electric hybrid 80mpg The reason I own a Prius. Thank you, GM.

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08-20-2007, 06:16 PM	#1
Metalkitty Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 6 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Alright folks, I 'm highly discouraged and need some advice. I have been saving up and anticipating the purchase of my first ever brand new car. After careful research and budgeting I decided on the 2007 Prius. This past Friday night I bought a new Prius and left the dealership at 9:30 pm. At 7am the next morning I start the Prius and the check engine light is on. I drive directly back to the dealership expecting something minor like gas cap loose, etc. Maintenance person tells me that the diagnostic report came back with a code about the coolant. Being unfamiliar with this code he asked to keep the Prius until Monday. Then he could call Toyota and decide what needed to be done. Late this afternoon I called the maintenance department only to be told that the car was there and a new part had been ordered. The new part was a COMPUTER. They had ordered a new computer for my car. Red flags are going off in my head. Why would my brand new car need a new computer? To me, it seems that the dealership sold me a broken car. I know all about he lemon law and it's stipulations. None of that will help me now. What is bothering me is I bought a brand new car that doesn't work and now the Carfax report will show that the computer had to be replaced, hence depreciating the resale value. I only got to drive the Prius home from the dealership and back again! Any suggestions of what I can or should do?

08-20-2007, 06:26 PM	#2
Swanny1172 Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 674 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #4 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Some cars are lemons and the Prius is no exception. It is subject to manufacturing defects just like every other car on the road. Keep documentation of the repair, because the Lemon Law may very well be your friend here.

08-20-2007, 06:29 PM	#4
boulder_bum Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Castle Rock, CO Posts: 1,120 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: N/A Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 5	Did you ask the dealer if they can simply give you a different car? Might be worth a try.

08-20-2007, 06:33 PM	#5
galaxee running WOT until out of fuel Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: central NC/ western WI Posts: 9,075 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #5 Nominated 5 Times in 3 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 21	that's why you've got a basic warranty, my friend. manufacturing defects happen anywhere they make things. prius computers are no exception, as much as we'd all like to think otherwise. clearly this one wasn't done right and it appeared right away, as do the vast majority of manufacturing defects when they're driven off the lot. sorry you got a bad computer, but know that it'll be fixed up on toyota's dime and you'll be happy driving your new car again soon!

08-20-2007, 07:01 PM	#8
Rae Vynn Resident Witch Join Date: May 2007 Location: Grays Harbor, WA, USA Posts: 2,807 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: Base Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 52	Our dealership has a 30-day warranty that says that if you don't like the car you bought, you can give it back and get a different car from them. You can't just get your money back, but you can "trade up" or get a different model/color... whatever.

08-20-2007, 07:26 PM	#10
Pinto Girl Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 2,372 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	It's an imperfect device designed and built by imperfect beings. As Swanny pointed out, if things keep cropping up you might have a lemon on your hands...otherwise, with any luck the dealer will make it right and you'll be on your way. I'm still a bit scared of the rocket science going on when I push the power button, but I'm getting better every day... :-)